Grade Level/Subject/Topic: Grade 3 / Social Studies / National Holidays / Martin
Luther King, Jr.
Author: Amy Elliott – John Redd Smith Elementary
Henry County Public Schools
Standards Addressed: History/Social Science (Civics)
3.11
The student will explain the importance of the basic principles that form the
foundation of a republican form of government by:
b) identifying the contributions of Martin Luther King, Jr.
3.12
The student will recognize that Americans are a people of diverse ethnic
origins, customs, and traditions, who are united by the basic principles of a
republican form of government and respect for individual rights and freedoms.
(Review)
K.1
The student will recognize that history describes events and people of other
times and places by: b) identifying the people and events honored by the
holiday Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
2.11
The student will identify Martin Luther King, Jr. as an American whose
contributions improved the lives of other Americans.
Pre-Assessment: Informal Think-Pair-Share activity into a K-W-L chart; Learning
Styles Inventory
Defining the Learning Goals: What the student will:
Know (Facts/Vocabulary):
 Vocabulary: nation, national holiday, celebrate, tradition, honor, equality under
the law, contribution
 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: This is a day to remember an African American who
worked so that all people would be treated fairly. It is observed in January.
 Martin Luther King, Jr.: He was an African American minister who worked for
equal rights for all people. He helped bring about changes in laws through
peaceful means.
 National holidays celebrate and honor people and events that are important to
our country, the United States of America.
 Know that some basic principles held by American citizens include life, liberty,
and the pursuit of happiness; and equality under the law.
 Recognize that citizens have worked to defend American principles.
Understand (Big Ideas):
 If we understand the causes for events in the past, this can help us to make good
decisions and choices today.
 The choices and actions of people can affect the lives of others in a positive or
negative way.
Do (Specific Skills student is able to do after the lesson):
 Work both independently and collaboratively to recall background knowledge of
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
 Create questions about Dr. King and the national holiday that honors him.
HCS
 Engage in research, using various modalities (internet, biographies, nonfiction
literature, videos, and encyclopedia) to answer questions about Dr. King.
 Produce an original product that communicates who Dr. King was and why he is
important to America.
Materials/Supplies:
 timer; scratch paper, K-W-L chart (whole group and/or close reference);
various research materials; interactive whiteboard; internet accessible
computer(s); drawing paper and art materials
Procedures/Activities:
Lesson 1:
1. Introduce the term national holidays by reviewing the terms nation and holiday.
Be sure to explain that national holidays are days that honor and celebrate
people and events that are important to our nation.
2. Explain that one of the first national holidays in January honors Dr. Martin Luther
King, Jr.
3. Engage background knowledge (Dr. King was also taught as a K and 2 nd grade
SOL) through THINK-PAIR-SHARE activity:
a. THINK = Students use scratch paper to write or draw the facts they
remember about MLK. This can be a timed or open activity;
b. PAIR = Students pair with a partner to discuss the facts they have
recorded and/or add to their current list of facts;
c. SHARE = Student pairs take turns sharing facts which are discussed and
recorded on the K-W-L chart in the K column for “What We Know”.
4. Lead a whole group discussion on “What We Want to Know” and record class
questions in the W column of the K-W-L chart.
Lesson 2:
1. Review the questions recorded on the K-W-L chart for “What We Want to Know”
about MLK.
2. Watch United Streaming video: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: America Celebrates,
available at
http://player.discoveryeducation.com/index.cfm?guidAssetId=04f18cc3-d7f14cc0-8eaf-762e7fec34f6&productCode=US
3. Discuss the video and answer questions addressed.
4. Brainstorm other forms of research and available resources. Be sure to include
technological resources available to students (internet).
5. Read informational texts and/or literature to assist in research. Suggested
reading: My Brother Martin: A Sister Remembers Growing Up With the Rev. Dr.
Martin Luther King Jr., Christine King Farris.
6. Engage in a web search and/or web quest to answer remaining questions.
7. Review: Discuss why MLK is important to Americans. Be sure to include that
MLK was an African American minister who worked for equal rights for all people;
MLK helped bring about changes in unfair laws through peaceful means.
© Henry County Schools 2007
HCS
Lesson 3/4:
1. Students are to complete two projects which communicate the information
learned about MLK and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. One project is assigned
according to pre-assessed learning style, while the second activity is the choice
of the student. Learning Style Project choices: ST = create a timeline of MLK’s
life; SF = Write a “Thank You” letter to MLK; NT = create a two-sided poster
which shows our country before MLK’s work and following MLK’s work; NF =
Compose a poem or song which expresses important facts about MLK.
(If) Differentiated Instruction:
What?
How?
content process
readiness
product
interest learning profile
Why (What prompted you to differentiate in this way)? Learning styles differentiation
was used to provide students various expressive modalities through which to creatively
apply their knowledge. With a combination of assigned and choice activities,
engagement and motivation are encouraged.
Anchor Activities:
 Students may be given copies of the K-W-L chart with the class-generated
questions. As students complete assignments, they may use informational
resources to research answers to questions or record additional facts about
MLK.
Post-Assessment:
 National Holidays Quiz
 Projects
Closure:
 Share projects.
 Students are assigned a national holiday to research and report on.
© Henry County Schools 2007